Gibran Waits For A Meeting With PDIP Leaders, Alludes To The Constitutional Court's Decision Opening Opportunities For Other Regional Heads

Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Surakarta City, Central Java, Monday (9/10/2023). (ANTARA/Aris Wasita)

Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka said the figure of the regional head is under 40 years old and has the opportunity to become a presidential candidate for the 2024 election, not only himself. This was conveyed by Gibran in response to the results of the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) which granted the request for judicial review of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections regarding the age limit of presidential and vice-presidential candidates aged 40 years or having experience as regional heads. "It's not just me who has a chance. Many (regional heads) in Central Java are under 40 years old," said Gibran in Surakarta City, Central Java, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, October 17. Apart from Central Java, he continued, there are several names of other politicians from East Java who have the same opportunity to run as presidential or vice presidential candidates in the 2024 General Election. Gibran named Kendal Regent, Central Java, Dico Mahtado Ganinduto; Deputy Governor of East Java Emil Elestianto Dardak; Trenggalek Regent, East Java, Mochamad Nur Arifin; Kediri Regent, East Java, Hanindhito Himawan Pramana who is the son of Pramono Anung; Mayor of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Erman Safar; and Mayor of Medan, North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution who is also his own brother-in-law. Asked about the next political move, Gibran said he was waiting for his next meeting with the PDI-P leaders. "Waiting for tomorrow, yes, this is not a personal matter. We have to consult with a lot of people," he added. The eldest son of President Joko Widodo was also reluctant to give a response regarding his proposal from other political parties to fight in the 2024 presidential election. "Later, yes," he added.

However, he confirmed that he was still in the PDI-P. Gibran also once again admitted that he was still relaxed and would finish his job in Surakarta City. "Don't just focus on me, I mentioned earlier the regents, mayors, a lot. I am relaxed, I still have to finish work here first," said Gibran.